Ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen

ABSTRACT

An ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen which provides a new and improved protective device for use in separating the facial portion of the head from the portion of the head bearing hair whereas to create a physical division between the two and thus allow work to be done on either side without reciprocal contamination or interference. A preferred embodiment comprises the use of a protective visor with a skin contacting seal and a means to affix the visor to the user&#39;s head and face.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/269,119 filed Jun. 22, 2009

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCES CITED

U.S PATENT DOCUMENTS 0,486,348 A November 1892 Mattson 0,717,148 A December 1902 Walters 0,772,763 A October 1904 Walters 0,835,814 A November 1906 Dalton 0,926,555 A June 1909 Ernest 0,971,503 A October 1910 Howard 0,981,588 A January 1911 Nelson 0,986,728 A March 1911 Lee 1,283,358 A October 1918 Thompson 1,524,863 A February 1925 Houston 1,593,042 A July 1926 Streuli 1,612,602 A March 1926 Bowman 1,640,676 A April 1925 Shaeffer 1,741,327 A December 1929 Merlino 1,750,937 A March 1930 Morgan 1,764,912 A June 1929 Caster-Udell 1,806,155 A May 1931 Farrelly 1,858,331 A May 1931 Hughes 1,997,063 A March 1932 Hughes 2,032,898 A March 1936 Wilson 2,136,039 A November 1938 Clancy 2,162,608 A November 1938 Davis 2,226,956 A December 1940 Womack 2,241,855 A June 1939 Heisterberg 2,296,078 A September 1942 Young 2,323,515 A July 1943 Cary et al. 2,327,678 A August 1948 Stovall 2,413,456 A December 1946 Larkin 2,424,352 A July 1947 Conjurske 2,424,744 A July 1947 Dicken et al. 2,447,776 A August 1948 Sherwood 2,599,152 A June 1952 Bartfay 2,600,392 A June 1952 Cancell 2,696,008 A October 1948 Penman et al. 3,529,308 A April 1969 McBride 4,223,407 A September 1980 Zappala 4,368,545 A January 1983 Seidman 4,481,680 A November 1984 Mason et al. 4,638,512 A January 1987 Frankel D303,040 S August 1989 Paone D323,241 S January 1992 Neal 5,146,629 A September 1992 Barnes 5,175,887 A January 1993 Kim 5,423,091 A June 1995 Lange 5,551,088 A September 1995 Stepp 5,797,141 A August 1998 Morlett 5,857,218 A January 1999 Kuhlman 5,940,885 A August 1999 Matthews 2002/0129831 A September 2002 Kelly 6,584,984 A July 2003 Kelly

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for protecting a user's face, eyes, ears, makeup and skin from the dripping of potentially irritating and unwanted fluids during the process of hair washing or hair coloring treatments onto the face and its constituting parts. The present invention also relates generally to an apparatus for protecting a user's face, eyes, ears, makeup and skin from gusts of hot air caused by a hair drying apparatus during the hair drying process and falling hair clippings which result from the hair cutting process. The present invention also relates generally to an apparatus for loosely collecting or separating hair away from the face whereas to allow makeup or skin treatment work to be done on the face without intrusion from hair. The present invention also relates generally to an apparatus adaptable for providing a means to accelerate and even out sun tanning rays onto the face by collecting, redirecting and evenly concentrating and dispersing sun rays, which would otherwise be unevenly concentrated on the face, in a smoother fashion. Promoting a more evenly dispersed face tanning process is highly desirable because the normally lesser exposed areas of the face such as the those present underneath the nose, eye sockets and jaw line often remain unexposed to direct sunlight or tanning lights during the tanning process resulting in an uneven face tan. My invention is therefore especially advantageous at the beach or when sun bathing on the mountains where sunlight from above tends to accumulate from a single direction. Furthermore, at the same time, the face screen will protect the hair from direct sunlight thusly avoid discoloration of the roots or tips.

In a general sense, the invention relates to a compact, portable protective face screen which provides an effective physical barrier which divides the face portion of the head from the hair portion of the head thus allowing hair treatment processes or face treatment processes, including tanning treatments, separately and independently without limiting mobility of the user or functionality of the screen.

2. Description of Prior Art

Use of shampoos, conditioners and hair treatment chemicals often results in residual runoff onto nearby tissues of the face. In hair washing situations such as those typically encountered under a shower nozzle or when washing hair in the sink at home or at a beauty parlor with the head tilted back, water inevitably travels down the forehead and cheeks, thus bringing shampoos, conditioners and water into the eyes. This can be quite uncomfortable due to the irritating side effects of most hair washing or treating chemicals. A second inconvenience of the hair washing and treating process is that runoff tends to remove makeup in the areas surrounding the hair line leaving a lighter colored halo around the face. This presents an impractical situation because makeup must then be reapplied to those areas. When this happens in a public location it produces an embarrassing halo effect on the customer. Clearly if this problem could be avoided it would be desirable. It is also known that the process of hair cutting typically causes hair clippings to fall onto various parts of the face and in the ears. Typically, when this occurs a brush may be used to wipe away the clippings however this presents a problem when wearing makeup since the brushing process can smear carefully applied mascara and foundation. It is also known that the process of hair drying can cause long and medium length hair to blow randomly upon the face sometimes resulting in hair tips flowing into the eyes of mouth. For this reason people will tend to close their eyes during this process. If a person however is drying their own hair this becomes quite impractical. Lastly it is also noted that the hair drying process which pushes hair onto the face is sometimes responsible for upsetting applied makeup, eye lash extensions and can cause hair to go into the eyes. Reversely, the process of makeup application or facial skin treatments, whether medical or esthetic, can be interrupted, contaminated, hindered in performance due to hair contamination or interference of the bangs or hair around the temples. This is especially the case when a user has long or medium length hair. It is also known that people who like to tan in the sun encounter the typical problem of acquiring an uneven tan on the face due to the multifaceted qualities of the face which favor tanning on some areas of the face while un-favoring others which are not in direct sunlight.

Thus, it is desirable to apply a face screen which unilaterally avoids all of these potential irritants with the simple and single application of a sole device. An extensive variety of devices for protecting a user's face and eyes from hairdressing treatments are known in the prior art.

However, although many of these devices serve their purpose with some degree of effectiveness, all of them suffer from a multitude of drawbacks originating from a functional, economic, esthetic, ease of application, ease of use, portability or versatility point of view. Nonetheless, the extensive attempts by inventors to devise a face screen which would resolve the above mentioned issues, warrants and reinforces the impending need for one on the market today. Clearly, the difficulty and thus the opportunity, resides in providing a solution which grants all the above mentioned virtues in an economically feasible fashion and a sole design. Reviewing the prior art, what becomes apparent is that none of the prior art has all combined functions in a single design and thus provide only a partial solution for an otherwise holistic problem. It is therefore the scope of my invention to propose embodiments of a face screen which not only combines all functions with simplicity and ease, but to propose a solution which also embraces a sense of esthetic value and versatile function in a synergistic manner. As I will disclose, a multitude of the prior art efforts are simply commercially impractical because some are difficult to apply, others are cost prohibitive and others yet are simply to cumbersome to use in a personal sense. Furthermore, others appear unattractive and non disposable. Allover, in fact, the prior art designs are incomplete solutions which is why they have had little commercial success. A main drawback and disadvantage, particularly concerning some of the prior art designs, limit the ability for personal use where ease of use concerning application, removal and continued mobility are desirable. Walters, U.S. Pat. No. 0,717,148, Walters U.S. Pat. No. 0,772,763 and Dalton U.S. Pat. No. 0,835,814, discloses shampooing hoods with a forward brim and a collector bib on the back end. Such arrangements however are cumbersome and cannot be used either in the shower or the sink. Furthermore the devices are not disposable nor do they allow freedom to perform other tasks when worn. Nelson, U.S. Pat. No. 0,981,588, also discloses a shampoo shield with a large bib extending from the back end. This embodiment does not allow the user to move around because it is too cumbersome and it requires the front end to be tied to a vertical support. Lee, U.S. Pat. No. 0,986,728, discloses a shampoo cap to be worn around the head specifically designed for use in the sink. However, this embodiment is very cumbersome and impractical as the view of the user is limited by a small window in the visor material. Ernest, U.S. Pat. No. 0,926,555, discloses a shampoo shield which wraps around the head like a lamp shade under tension. This arrangement would not be efficient to be used in a sink or for applying skin treatment to the face. Howard, U.S. Pat. No. 0,971,503, discloses a sunshade visor design which also wraps around the head. This device is tightened by means of a set of laces and the visor is kept rigid by means of a built in wire structure. The straightness of the visor having no inclination in an upward or downward fashion makes it unsuitable for use with water because water would collect and drip from the edges underneath the visor and end up wetting the face. Womack, U.S. Pat. No. 2,226,956, discloses a shield for hair drying purposes with a rigid body and a method for covering the ears. This arrangement which is very complicated and elaborate would prove to be difficult to put on and to manufacture. Furthermore, this arrangement does not protect against water drainage. Heisterberg, U.S. Pat. No. 2,241,855, discloses a head shield with an adjustable open end. This particular arrangement however binds the rear portion of the head and is not suitable for use with water because the inner rim contour is perfectly round and would not realistically and effectively create a good water seal with a head, leaving gaps which would allow water to flow down the face. Davis, U.S. Pat. No. 2,162,608, discloses a protective shampoo mask of adjustable nature which covers the ears and eyes. This arrangement, however, is exceedingly complex as it is equipped with weaving straps and carefully positioned components. This model proves to be complicated for the user to put on. Furthermore the steep angle of the visor portion in front of the eyes would not prove to be efficient in blocking water from the face but merely in protecting the eyes from random water splashes. Young, U.S. Pat. No. 2,296,078, discloses a face shield which is extremely complicated nature. This model would be difficult to put on and wear. Furthermore, it binds all the hair on the top of the head. Cary et al, U.S. Pat. No. 2,323,515, discloses a shield for hair drying purposes which is very complex and rigid. Stovall, U.S. Pat. No. 2,327,678, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,447,215, discloses shields which wrap around the head and which is adjustable by means of a set of slit fasteners. In the first embodiment the shield is equipped with a pair of strings which tie to each other on top of the head to create a netted support. This system is very limiting for any work performed onto the hair and it is difficult to apply. The second shield embodiment uses a tail from the visor's inner rim portion to loop around a strand of hair in order to create a fixing point to the head. This arrangement, however, would not work in real practice because the tail bend would create a bend along the rim seal and disrupt the water sealing abilities resulting in a leak. Larkin, U.S. Pat. No. 2,413,456, proposes a shield combined with a cape. This arrangement is not suitable for showers or sinks because the cape becomes an obstacle. Furthermore the inner rim is perfectly round and would not offer a proper anatomical seal with the head of the wearer. Dicken, U.S. Pat. No. 2,424,744, proposes a face and neck protector for hair drying units. This arrangement is not suitable for use with water and is cumbersome to wear and put on. Furthermore, this arrangement tends to bind hair behind the head limiting hair care processes. Sherwood, U.S. Pat. No. 2,447,776, proposes a protective visor for protecting the face from air during the hair drying process and vice versa for protecting the hair from the process of makeup application. Such an arrangement however does not prove to be effective for use under water because of a number of perforations which score the inner lining of the visor which would allow free passage of water. Furthermore, this embodiment would prove to be inefficient in contouring a specific hair line due to the absence of a means to deform the inner lining portion of the visor to conform with anatomical hairline contours of the user. For this reason, although the design claims to be useful in the application of makeup and face creams, it excludes the ability to apply such treatments up to the hairline. This embodiment is therefore insufficiently attractive from a functional standpoint. Bartfay, U.S. Pat. No. 2,599,152, discloses a beauty shield which wraps around the head under the earline and latches onto itself behind the neck by means of the free ends. Such an embodiment is not very stable because of the presence of an unsupported wide brim. As a result, a minimal amount of water force or weight from above the rim would potentially flip the upward oriented brim in a downward manner thus suddenly getting the user wet. Furthermore, this design would not be usable in a wash basin with the head tilted backwards because the head portion of the user would rest upon the visor itself further destabilizing its structure. A last drawback from this embodiment is the fact that the fashion in which the visor is worn inhibits a proper fitting around the hairline contour thus limiting its effectiveness in the skin treatment applications. Cancell, U.S. Pat. No. 2,600,392, discloses a shampooing device which is highly cumbersome and complex to use and mount when self fitted. Furthermore it is not of a feasible embodiment to manufacture. Mullen, U.S. Pat. No. 2,640,198, discloses a hairline protector designed to fit onto the forehead by means of tension and a pair of hooking sections which mount on top of the ear lobes. Such an arrangement however would not work under a shower or sink washing process since it lacks a visor portion to shed the water away from the face. It merely useful for retaining hair coloring drippings. Furthermore, Mullen claims this embodiment to be self supporting, but systems which only attach to the ears without a tertiary support somewhere else on the structure prove to be highly unstable and risk falling over and falling off the face. Penman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,696,008, discloses an eye protector for the shampooing process. Panman's invention is clearly not feasable from a manufacturing standpoint. In addition, the proposed arrangement possesses an extremely wide inner liner which would eliminate its useability for makeup application. Mcbride, U.S. Pat. No. 3,529,308, discloses a hair holding device which wraps around the head conforming to the hairline. Such an arrangement may apply for holding hair back during makeup application but it cannot lend itself for use under water due to the large gap opening between the free ends. Lange, U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,091, discloses a headband which follows the wearer's hair line contour. However, this embodiments does not possess a visor and thus is not useful under a shower or sink. Furthermore it is not useful for blocking hairdrying heat or for collecting hair clippings. Kuhlman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,218, discloses a protective visor that includes a high-density foam bill attached to a soft foam headband intended to be secured with a clip connecting terminating ends of the headband just below the hairline at the back of the user's head. The Kuhlman device includes no positive barrier to carry dripping fluid away from the wearer's face. Instead, residual runoff is to be absorbed by the foam in the headband and visor. However, if the foam becomes saturated, the liquid can drip over the bill and the headband, and potentially into the user's eyes and face. Securing the Kuhlman visor snugly in place with a clip at the back of the head can be difficult without assistance. Furthermore, the clip would seriously inhibit the hair washing process since hair is easily trapped and tangled with clips. Mason et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,680, Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 2,032,898, and Mattson, U.S. Pat. No. 486,348 disclose additional protective visors that encircle the user's head. The Mason device includes a crescent-shaped, planar, flexible brim adapted to be manually shaped into a channel to carry fluids to the back of the user's head, and a hook and loop connector at rear terminating ends to secure the band in position. The Wilson device utilizes a snap fitting to connect the terminating ends at the back of the user's head. The Mattson device utilizes buckles to secure both a strap positioned around the user's head, and a second strap positioned over the top of the user's head from front to back. However, as with Kuhlman, such arrangements can be difficult to manipulate to a snug fit, requiring the user to manually fasten the device at the back of his or her head. Furthermore these devices do not warrant a soap safe experience under the shower or sink because the water collecting channel can overflow or buckle under the water pressure. In addition to these shortcomings, the devices lack simplicity and cost effectiveness from a manufacturing standpoint which would warrant them commercial success such as a simpler version like the one I will propose, which can be made inexpensively in so far as to be affordably disposable in nature. Another drawback from the devices above cited is the fact that the inner base portions of all of them are fairly wide, thus covering a major portion of the forehead. This particularity limits their flexibility and thus their efficiency in adapting to the many and varying anatomical hairline profiles which people have. This means that the designs expressed above will not be equally efficient for all users. Another drawback which plagues the above cited devices is their limited use. Because of their wide inner base portions, a major portion of the forehead remains covered thus eliminating their applicability as a hair separator when applying makeup. Thus, although they would be able to protect the face from water, soap and treatments applied to the hair, the opposite would not be possible. In detail, makeup and skin treatments are applied up to the hair line which, in these cases, would remain grossly covered by the actual screen. Wilson also discloses an alternate embodiment visor provided with eyeglass-type ear pieces for securing to the user's head. However, in this embodiment, as well as in the Mattson device, the fluid-carrying channel discharges forward of the user's ears for dripping down the side of the face. As a result, if the user's head tips, fluid can drip down the sides of the face and into the user's eyes. Morgan, U.S. Pat. No. 1,750,937, discloses another protective device that is intended to protect only the user's eyes. However, the device would only be capable of diverting a very limited amount of dripping liquid to the rear portion the head before eventually overflowing or concentrating all the flow into the ears which remains unprotected. Furthermore, the very narrow nature of the visor makes it inefficient to be used in a shower or sink under a powerful water spray or inefficient to be used as a face protection from hair sprays and hair blowers. Another apparent drawback of this device is that it would not be able to collect long strands of hair away from the face in order to allow face treatments because it is too narrow. Also the rear strap does not appear to be very comfortable or economically feasible to make on a large scale. Caster-Udell, U.S. Pat. No. 1,764,912, discloses a shield design which binds behind the head by means of a strap and buckle fastener. Such an arrangement, however, binds the hair behind the head and limits workability of the hair in this area. Furthermore, this visor arrangement binds an inner liner to the visor portion by means of a stitching. Although this method would prove workable, it is not feasible in a manufacturing sense. Farrelly, U.S. Pat. No. 1,806,155, discloses a shampoo cap structure which uses an intricate wiring inner structure to retain its shape during use which eliminates its attractiveness from an esthetic and manufacturability standpoint. Again, like other above mentioned examples of prior art, this embodiment binds the hair behind the head and is therefore less ideal. Hughes, U.S. Pat. No. 1,858,331, discloses a hair drying shield which comprises an open end portion which overlaps itself and buckles onto itself by means of snap fitting. Like the other above mentioned embodiments, this design also wraps around the head behind the ears. This system however is limited to hair drying purposes only, thus it lacks the ability to provide adequate water sealing abilities. Furthermore the inner rim portion of this embodiment does not appear to possess a highly adaptable contour in order to follow the hairline accurately. Hughes, U.S. Pat. No. 1,997,063, discloses a hair shield which is endowed with a comb-like structure along the inner lining and which enables the hair shield to affix itself to the wearers head. Such an arrangement however is very complex and not disposable in nature. Furthermore this arrangement is not adaptable for skin treatment use. Clancy, U.S. Pat. No. 2,136,039, discloses a hair shield with a very wide inner band. Such an arrangement becomes very rigid and difficult to contour around the hair line and covers a major portion of the forehead thus it is useless for skin treatment applications. Merlino, U.S. Pat. No. 1,741,327, discloses a visor provided with adjustable sponge ear plugs that fit into the user's ears for securing to the user's head. Although the ear plugs prevent liquid from entering into the user's ears, they can be uncomfortable for the user. As with Wilson device and the alternate embodiment of Mattison, the fluid directing channel of the Merlino device discharges directly forward of the user's ears, and thus, presents the potential for fluid to enter the user's eyes. In response to this recognized deficiency, Merlino also discloses an alternate embodiment that includes goggles to protect the user's eyes. Streuli, U.S. Pat. No. 1,593,042, discloses a protective device which is designed to fit around the forehead and behind the ears. His embodiment, however, is a fully enclosed version and would provide a good fitting only for some people, leaving others to have either a loosely or excessively tight fitting band around the head. Furthermore, the embodiment of this type of device constrains the hair behind the head thus eliminating some of the hair washing ability in this area. A last point of difference is that given the structure of the visor portion during use, Streuli's invention requires inner stiffeners to line and support the visor portion to not otherwise bend and deform under applied water pressure. Bowman, U.S. Pat. No. 1,612,602, discloses a headband for shampooing purposes which encircles the head much like that disclosed by Streuli, with the exception that this version is much more complex and has an inflatable outer rim portion to provide both rigidity and a means to redirect water. The device proposed by Bowman is not commercially attractive because of its cost inhibitive manufacturing process and low esthetic appeal. Thompson, U.S. Pat. No. 1,283,357, discloses a visor for providing sun shade and protection against hair drying. Such an arrangement does not provide protection against water and does not attach to the head in such a way to leave the rear portion of the head free from the binding effect of the visor. Although this unit appears to be adjustable by means of a lacing structure, the gap created by a wider diameter head would leave an unprotected portion of the head vulnerable to water drippings. Shaeffer, U.S. Pat. No. 1,640,676, discloses a visor embodiment which wraps around and ties behind the head. Her visor design also uses a pair of straps to hook on top of the ears to provide extra support. Such an arrangement however covers most part of the face thus limiting the ability to use the visor as a means to apply skin treatments. Furthermore, this design also binds the hair behind the head limiting the work in this area as well. Kelly, U.S. Pat. No. 20020129831, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,984, discloses a protective headband which partially wraps around the head. However, these embodiments are not equipped with a visor portion and thus cannot be used under a shower or sink. Furthermore, they cannot hold hair back or repair the face from hair dryer heat. Zappala, U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,407, discloses a molded protective visor with ear covers shaped to fit around the user's ears for securing the visor to the user's head. Such an arrangement does not readily accommodate differences in ear sizes and shapes, and it does not accommodate differences in relationship between ear size and hairline position. To provide for a snug fit on a large number of people, the Zappala device would need to be manufactured with a variety of size ear covers, as well as a variety of ear-size to hairline-position relationships, and the visor would need to be fitted to each person for their ear size and hairline position. In addition, the Zappala device is a relatively complex configuration. Zappala's device cannot be inverted to use as a hair collector for skin treatment work either, nor can it be used for in sink hair washing because water would flow from the neck to the chin to the mouth with your head upside down. All of these factors result in a device that is relatively expensive to manufacture, and that is not readily adaptable for use by a variety of potential users in a variety of settings. Certain other prior devices are simply too large, are not portable, or otherwise not suitable for comfortable personal use, but are more suitable for use in a commercial setting where the motion of the user's head will be restricted. Conjurske, U.S. Pat. No. 2,424,352, discloses a shampoo splash-guard device provided with relatively large shade, adjustable earcups that press against the user's ears for securing to the user's head, and a nose rest to assist in holding the device in its proper position. The Conjurske device includes no positive channel for the liquid, and it relies on the user's head being tilted back to prevent liquid from dripping into the user's eyes. Houston, U.S. Pat. No. 1,524,863, discloses a shampoo shield shaped to admit a user's face and head. However, the Houston device is not self-supporting on the user's head; it must be either manually held to the head, or attached to a fixture where the head is presented to and held against the interior portion of the frame. Paone, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 303,040, discloses a visor that also relies on the user's head being tilted back, due to relatively large brim and only a thin strip of elastic to secure it to the user's head. Seidman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,545, discloses a band encircling the user's head that utilizes an absorbent sponge seal ring next to the user's head, a channel to carry the dripping product to the back of the user's head, and a drain at the back of the channel to carry the solution away from the user's head. Seidman's device is not operable in a shower or sink setting as it would not protect the face properly. Likewise, it cannot be used to hold hair back or protect the face from hair blowing. Matthews, U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,885, Stepp, U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,088, and Barnes, U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,629, disclose relatively large devices adapted to direct large volumes of water away from the wearer's head to protect the user's face while shampooing and rinsing. These arrangements are not portable nor are they usable for other tasks other than the immediate one for which they are intended.

Thus, it is apparent from the extensive amount of known prior art that there is a need for portable, compact, protective and disposable device that is suitable for personal use, to prevent and block the interference of beauty or sanitary work being performed on either the facial or portions of the head with hair in an independent and isolated manner which addresses or eliminates the drawbacks of the prior protective apparatus of the same general type. It is however also evident that many of the previous attempts have not been able to identify and therefore encompass all necessary functions one would need from such a device into a single economical, simple and appealing design. Hence is my proposed solution.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A general object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved protective device for use in separating the facial portion of the head from the portion of the head bearing hair whereas to create a physical division between the two and thus allow work to be done on either side without reciprocal contamination or interference. In further detail, an object of my invention is to provide protection against the dripping of liquids, the falling of hair clippings, the spreading of aerosol sprays or the uncomfortable feeling of hot hairdryer air currents from coming in contact with a wearer's face, eyes, ears, nose, mouth and makeup. In detail, the above mentioned object of the invention is to provide a screen with a deformable sealing end whereas to provide the highest level of contouring ability to the wearer's hairline. Another object of my invention is to provide a means to evenly diffuse tanning rays to the face in a manner which facilitates an even tanning effect on difficult to reach areas such as under the nose, chin and eye lid areas.

As the hair washing process may take place in a variety of situations such as a bath, shower, sink or at a beauty parlor, it is the object of my invention to function in all situations. The shape of the invention will allow a means for redirecting water, shampoo, other hair treatment solutions and hair clippings around the head and away from facial skin and orifices. Likewise, my invention is also conceived to provide protection from aerosols such as hair fixing sprays and from hair clippings which typically fall onto the face and into the ears when hair is being cut and to provide a shield which may effectively protect said areas of the face and clothing from the staining properties of applied hair coloring tints or chemical hair treatments. Reversely, another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved protective device able to loosely collect and separate potential hair contamination or interruption to the facial area during the process of makeup application or facial skin treatments. In detail, this latter attribute endows the invention with the ability to keep hair away from the face and consequently allowing for makeup application or skin work to be conducted onto the face while keeping away the intrusive presence of bangs on the forehead. Another general object of the invention is to provide such a protective device which, while suitable for other uses, is easily applicable by the wearer in a personal setting or by a second party in a professional establishment. Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a protective device that is ergonomic, lightweight, esthetically attractive, safe, and that permits the user to engage in other personal activities while wearing the device. An important object is that the invention be economically and environmentally feasible whereas to produce a sufficiently compact item of relatively simple construction for commercial packaging and exploitation with portability of use. Thus it is imperative that the embodiment of the present invention comprise a minimal number of parts and that it be storable in a flat or folded fashion whereas to permit the stacking of the same. Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a protective device constructed with materials, including those of ecological or biologically based compositions, which are sufficiently flexible yet sturdy and with chemical, temperature and water resistant qualities able to withstand a moderate to forceful impact of water, air or chemical outer influences without permanent deformation or physical breakdown of its structure. Such environments, for instance, may present themselves under forceful jets of water or air which typically take place under shower jets or high powered hair dryers. Still another object of the invention is to provide such a protective device that is durable yet economically feasible whereas to be reused or disposed of after a number of uses, that is comfortably designed whereas to be fitted to a variety of head sizes and is ergonomically designed whereas to effectively seal and divide the above mentioned two portions of the head through tensile, adhesive forces or both. The scope of the disclosed embodiments are intended whereas the production and thus the acquisition of the screen shall be reasonably economical whereas to be disposable and reasonably affordable. It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a protective device that has a means for finely adjusting its shape whereas to contour the irregular hair line shape of different people. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a protective device that has a means for physically mounting onto the wearer's face while leaving the hair bearing portion of the head free from any straps which would otherwise bind the hair, thus allowing the hair to be washed, styled or treated freely and without impact on the screen's positioning or structural integrity onto the forehead and sides of the face. It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a protective device embodiment which physically bears and provides all of the above mentioned advantages in a sole design without the requirement of external attachments whereas to improve upon the performance of prior art.

A detailed objective is to achieve the forgoing by providing a protective screen that includes a deformable base with sealing qualities which is easily positioned, in a snug fashion, around the user's hairline and ears and a screen body which forms a visor-like structure with curved contour, by means of the simple positioning of the base along the hairline, able to physically isolate the face from the hair portions of the head. Further advantages and objects of the invention as well as its novel features of construction and usefulness will appear in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an front view of the face screen, and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof, and

FIG. 3 is a side section view thereof, and

FIG. 4 is a perspective applied view thereof, and

FIG. 5 is a view of an alternate embodiment of the face screen, and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the face screen illustrated in FIG. 5, and

FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the face screen illustrated in FIG. 5, and

FIG. 8 is a perspective applied view of the alternate embodiment of the face screen illustrated in FIG. 5, and

FIG. 9 is a front view of yet another alternative embodiment of my face screen, and

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the alternative embodiment of my face screen illustrated in FIG. 9, and

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the deformable face screen liner, and

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the deformable face screen liner, and

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the deformable face screen liner, and

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the deformable face screen liner, and

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the deformable face screen liner.

DESCRIPTION OF MY INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 (a front view). My invention relates to an ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen which protects the forehead and underlying portions of the face from getting wet during the process of hair washing by means of producing a physical barrier between the entire stretch of the users' hairline and neck which encompass the frontal, temporal sections of the face, the region behind the ear lobes and the superior portion of the neck undermining the jaw line. The face screen is designed whereas to be used in a disposable or repetitive fashion.

More specifically, a preferred embodiment of my invention, when correctly worn, would provide a wall which would follow, in an uninterrupted manner, the entire hairline contour down to, around and behind the ear lobes and connect under the jaw line, in this fashion forcing water to drain behind the ears and forehead rather than finding its own undesired and unpredictable path upon the users' face, whichever that may be. My invention constitutes an improvement on other face screens as it would extend its water blocking properties to include the portion which constitutes the frontal half of the neck directly underneath the jaw line. Said improvement would prove to be beneficial as it would allow the user to protect the face entirely from splashing jets of water even when the head is in a reversed potion as it would be in the case when a user is washing her head in a sink from a standing position.

Said invention would find its place and appreciation within the fields of cosmetology and hair care where hair washing takes place quite often as normal practice. The improvement of my invention over previous embodiments would extend its usefulness to a home environment where many women typically wash their hair in a bathroom or kitchen sink. My invention not only protects the face from undesired water splashing and drippings but, in the case of many women whom frequently undergo such a process, also protects from the undesired washing away of makeup in those areas. In today's scenario, makeup, which is normally applied to the face up to the hairline area before the hair washing sequence, is typically washed away by the combination of water, detergent and scrubbing. Makeup must therefore be reapplied for a second time since the process leaves behind an unsightly and embarrassing white ring around the hairline also known as a face hallow in professional terminology.

My invention aims to resolve and prevent this problem by physically sealing out water, detergent and scrubbing. My invention also resolves issues of color staining of the skin in the hairline area since typically this is an inevitable drawback from the hair coloring process as well. The immediate benefits of such an invention is evident wherein it offers a three-in-one practicality with unmatched compactness and hygiene which is simply not available today on the market in any shape or form.

It should be mentioned and understood that the face screen is of generally symmetrical nature, thus, all the attributes which characterize its right side are generally identical in form, position, size, material and function on the left. It should also be understood that my invention, as physically disclosed in this description and in its original state of embodiment before application or use is generally flat, thus, the screen must be intentionally deformed into a third axis of curvature for wearing or fitting purposes.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention.

My improvement is best illustrated in FIG. 1 (a front view) and FIG. 2 (a perspective view).

My improved water blocking face screen consists of three main components: namely—a crescent-shaped, flat walled barrier 10 of generally uniform cross sectional thickness, an elastically deformable liner 20 of generally hollow and uniform cross sectional profile and wall thickness, a highly deformable metallic wire lining 30 of generally uniform circular cross sectional thickness and a pair of flat tension straps 40 and 41 of generally uniform cross sectional thickness.

Wall barrier 10 comprises an upper 11 and lower ply 12, an outer edge 13 and an inner edge 14. Wall barrier 10 is distinguishable, from a frontal point of view, by a rounded tip portion 10 a which extends bilaterally, in a symmetrical and downward oriented fashion, forming a pair of flanking wall barriers 15 and 16 of lesser and progressively diminishing width which end in two facing end tips 18 and 19 separated by a gap 17. Gap 17 constitutes the location where outer and inner edges 13 and 14 blend into one another to form a continuous and common outer edge of wall barrier 10. A pair of inwardly oriented and convex contours 14 a and 14 b momentarily swell a portion of either flanking wall barriers 15 and 16 providing an anatomically improved face screen inner edge specifically shaped to follow and consequently fill-in two naturally occurring and indented portions of the head-neck joint contour resulting from the transition between the head and the neck just below the lower ear lobe and behind the jaw. In the rare cases where such an indentation is minimal or simply not present due to an anatomically wider neck or deficient jaw, contours 14 a and 14 b would simply bend out of axis and adjust. The varying width of wall barrier 10 shall be sufficient whereas to offer a proper water shedding ability in order to protect the various facial characteristics of the person from water and soap.

Liner 20 consists of a relatively U-shaped, hollow profile 21 extrusion of generally uniform cross sectional wall thickness and is noticeably characterized by a slightly bulbous bottom end 22 (best seen in FIG. 3—a lateral section view). The inner facing wall edges of liner 20 are glued, in a generally permanent fashion, to upper and lower plies 11 and 12 along the entire stretch and path of inner edge 14 leaving bulbous bottom end 22 portion unglued and free but aligned in a parallel fashion with and at a designated distance from the same. Bulbous bottom end 22 being completely sealed on both ends and along its sides allows for a small amount of trapped air within its cavity which acts as an air cushion between the face screen and the skin of the user increasing comfort and adaptability. The advantage of such an arrangement permits bulbous end 22 to elastically deform and provide a water-tight seal with the forehead, ears and neck by adapting and filling-in any small facial or skin surface irregularity arising from occasional blemishes, scars, wrinkles or simple anatomical variances between users. Such a measure of security is necessary to create a water-tight barrier all around the facial area and thus is essential for the proper functioning of the face screen. Given the presence of gap 17 (best seen in FIG. 1) which divides the lower half of the face screen, in this location liner 20 bridges the gap unifying wall barrier end tips 18 and 19 in line with each other and in a closed loop. In this portion of stretch, the inner lining walls of liner 20 function both as a seal and an elastic tension band, providing sufficient pull force along the entire face screen onto the face and consequently proper mechanical adhesion of the face screen onto the user's forehead, temples, the area circumventing the base of the ear lobes and neck. Liner 20 is of a lightly tacky nature due to its material composition which contains a tackifying agent. The added tackiness helps retain liner 20 in direct contact with the user's skin and prevents lateral shifting of the face screen while being mounted or while soap is used during the wash. Liner 20 can be made from a number of materials but a particularly suitable one consists of a silicone-based elastomer with an added tackifying agent. This material is water repellent, has a high tear strength and elasticity even when stretched. Silicones are also latex free thus are non-allergenic and are resistant to chemicals and thermal shock.

Metallic wire lining 30 (best seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) is sandwiched between upper ply 11 and liner 20 positioned whereas to follow, in a generally parallel fashion with and at a designated distanced from inner edge 4. It provides a mechanical means to plastically deform the inner edge segment of tip portion 10 a from its normal tensile path in order to manually shape it and adapt it to the varying typology of existing hair lines. This allows the user to custom fit the face screen as close as possible to the hair line in order to minimize as much make-up removal in that area. Metallic wire lining 30 is glued and sandwiched in a generally permanent fashion, thus it is only allowed to bend but not slide.

Tension straps 40 and 41 (best seen in FIG. 2) are elongated thin strips of foam attached, in a permanent fashion, to lower ply 12 by means of a fixed adhesive. They are made of the same material as wall barrier 10 and extend in a generally parallel fashion with each other remaining, however, pivot ably rotate-able with relation to wall barrier 10 because of its elastically hinged nature. The distal most ends of tension straps 40 and 41 can be affixed to the lower portion of the face screen by means of attaching pressing them against a pair of releasable adhesive strips of glue 31. Tension straps 40 and 41 have both the function of adjusting tension of the face screen onto the face once it is mounted, and that of covering the ears for aesthetic reasons (best seen in FIG. 4—a perspective applied view).

The face screen is worn by first placing the upper end of the screen to the forehead and temples. If the hair line is irregular, attention should be made to plastically deform the inner edge of the screen to best fit the hair line by means of deforming the provided and embedded metallic wire. The inner liner being tacky will help retain the shape of the hair line and placement of the face screen. In a second movement, the screen is fitted behind the ears, leaving the tension straps dangling freely just before the ears. The screen is allowed to follow the contour of the base of the ear lobes and finally is pulled downward over the chin and fitted under the jaw. At this point the face is fully surrounded and protected by the screen; however, to secure a tighter fit necessary to withstand the process of hair washing, the tension straps which were left dangling before the ears are pulled down and pressed against the releasable adhesive strips of glue. In this way the screen is comfortably adjusted and the wearer's ears are fitted in the process.

In another physical embodiment the face screen would be strikingly similar to the first disclosed in this description thus is illustrated with the same numerals in all its depicting figures but alternatively from the first screen embodiment its lower screen portion is slightly different in shape and size (best seen in FIG. 5 a front view and FIG. 6—a perspective view). In this embodiment the screen is shaped be worn in a different manner than the first thus, the lower portion of the screen is shorter in circumference and of a more squared contour. Furthermore this alternative embodiment is not equipped with tension straps like the first but instead has a pair of elastic bands 32 and 33 (best seen in FIG. 7—a lateral section view). This particular embodiment of the face screen is not placed onto the face and neck following the path behind the ear lobes. Instead it passes before the ear lobes covering them in the process. Clearly, not having to contour the extra distance behind the ear lobes the overall length of the inner contour is lesser in circumference and different in shape. Elastic bands 32 and 33 are used as tension straps behind the ear lobes securing the screen onto the face (best seen in FIG. 8—an applied view). Elastic bands 32 and 33 insert into a series of perforations 34 which perforate in a through-and-through fashion wall barrier 10 and are tied into a knot at both ends. In this particular arrangement the user's ears are not visible from a frontal point of view because they are covered from the actual wall barrier. Elastic bands 32 and 33 can be made from a variety of materials which express a high index of elasticity and tear strength. Preferably non latex derivate materials are to be used in order to minimize allergenic reactions. Elastic bands 32 and 33 can be affixed to wall barrier 10 by a simple knot (as depicted in FIG. 7) but other means of a mechanical fixture such as riveting, by heat sintering, or gluing is also appropriate. The affixing process is not relevant to its function but more driven to satisfy cost related constraints. The length of elastic bands 32 and 33 shall be sufficient whereas to provide adequate tension around the ears for proper face screen mounting without causing excess strain onto the ear lobes.

This face screen is worn by first hooking the lower end of the face screen underneath the jaw as close as possible to the neck region. The upper portion if the screen is then pushed onto the forehead and temples. Once this is done the elastic bands are secured behind the ears. The last movement is to shape the upper face screen portion to best fit the contour of the hair line by deforming the metallic wire.

A third embodiment of the face screen presents a version in which its lower section is truncated prematurely. In this arrangement ends 18 and 19 are no longer facing each other (best seen in FIG. 9—a front view). Furthermore, elastic bands 32 and 33 are substituted by a single elastic band 35 which functions as both behind-the-ear tension straps and a common neck strap. In this embodiment elastic band 35 is permanently affixed to wall barrier on both ends but is allowed to slide through a second pair of holes 36 and 37 thus allowing it to tighten the screen onto the ears and neck at the same time with equal and equilateral dispersion of tension on both sides (best seen in FIG. 10—a lateral section view). This particular arrangement of the face screen is particularly suitable for hair washing in a beauty salon environment where the head of the wearer is held in a backward position. Since water will never tend to drain down the front portion of the neck in these situations because the head is tilted backward during the wash, the lower portion of the screen is not necessary and thus can be omitted. In this particular arrangement liner 20 terminates with ends 18 and 19 at both ends (best seen in FIG. 9). This face screen is mounted in a generally identical way as the previous. A fourth embodiment of my invention consists of any combination of the above mentioned face screen configurations but with the addition of a reflective finish applied onto lower ply 12 providing a chromed or metal sheen. This typology of treatment can be done an applied to the face screen either before or after the stamping process.

With the addition of this finish, my face screen invention can also be used as a face tanning tool augmenting the UV ray absorption in the facial area by reflecting and channeling the rays in a concentrated and multi-angled fashion. This tool would also allow for a more evenly dispersed face tanning process because the normally hard-to-reach areas such as the areas delineated underneath the nose, eye sockets and jaw line would be exposed to reflected rays and thus tan in a relatively equal manner as the rest of the face. At the same time the face screen will protect the hair from direct sunlight and not cause discoloration of the roots or tips.

A fifth embodiment is a face screen which may combine a number of the above mentioned configurations but without the presence an inner edge liner. Instead, the pertaining inner edge 14 is slightly modified in cross sectional geometry whereas to facilitate and promote an elastic surface conforming seal using the inherent elasticity of the material coupled with an elasticity promoting shaped profile.

This can be achieved either by a selecting a highly deformable sponge-like material for the wall barrier construction or by plastically deforming the cross sectional geometry of inner edge 14 into a number of embossed shapes with spring-like characteristics. The added sealing function of inner edge 14 would substitute the original function and use of liner 20 completely, and thus eliminate its need. The advantage of such an embodiment would grant lower production and assembly costs considerably. Furthermore, a lesser variety of materials also means higher percentage of recycling ability because less disassembly is required.

The geometries in question can be creased onto both plies of inner edge 14 during the stamping process with the involvement of a heating element which sinters and permanently deforms the material. A variety of cross sectional shapes may be obtained from such a process but the best are the ones which are shaped whereas to act as a solid state spring-loadable mechanism. Some shapes are illustrated, but should not be limited to the ones shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14.

FIG. 11 illustrates a version in which the material has been shaped into an S profile The S profile is particularly suitable for creating an elastic seal as it can deform in height when under pressure. FIG. 12 illustrates a zigzag shape and FIG. 14 illustrates a squared version of the S shape. All three would work as they would elastically deform in height thus compensating for skin surface irregularities when under pressure. Furthermore, shapes which comprise creased portions automatically collect excess water and channel it stopping its advancement. FIG. 14 illustrates another version in which the material has been deformed into a semi-circular loop. This arrangement of material allows the inner edge to act as a leaf spring deforming under pressure. Another possible geometry is achievable by fully looping a free end of the material and then heat sintering it onto its base thus creating an enclosed loop with an inner hollow void (best seen in FIG. 15—a cross sectional view). The fully looped arrangement is probably the most stable of all the shapes since it is capable of producing an equilateral pressure onto the skin without too much transversal movement.

The face screen embodiments can be easily constructed by means of non-exotic materials commonly available in the manufacturing material supply market. The face screen can be made from a number of materials but a particularly suitable one consists of flexible, polymer-based foam of medium density. Such a material would provide sufficient elasticity and tensile capacity to withstand its function. Furthermore, this material is water repellent, has relatively high tear strength even when stretched. Most polymer based foams are also latex free thus are non-allergenic and are resistant to chemicals and thermal shock. Other possible materials are polymer based plastic sheets such as PET or PETG which manifest flexibility and can be made in clear, opaque or translucent optical clarities. These types of materials also have the specific advantage of being colorable or available in a variety of finishes. The face screen liner and/or elastic bands can be made from a number of materials such as silicone, urethanes or natural rubbers. Metallic wire can be made form a copper or similar metal with high ductility.

The wall barrier portion can be made by a process of sheet stamping, the inner liner and deformable metallic wire by a process of extrusion and cutting. The rest of the manufacturing is finished by a process of assembly and gluing. 

1. An ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen adapted to be placed over a user's forehead and along the contour of the user's hairline, intended to at least partially divide a user's head into two separately isolated and sealed workable areas as well as protect applied makeup to the face, said screen bearing physical characteristics which allow it to singularly hinder a liquid, solid, a spray or a manually induced cross-contamination between said two workable areas regardless of the user's environment or head positioning in a sole economical and disposable design;
 2. The ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen defined in claim 1 in which the unique physical structure of the face screen and the method in which the screen is intended to mount onto the wearer's face is such that it is forced from a normally flat configuration into a generally arcuate, hypar-shaped one, by which processes, acquiring an augmented degree of structural sturdiness, self supporting stability and an increased fitting and sealing ability onto the face, regardless of the shape or size of the user's face;
 3. The ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen defined in claim 1 comprising: a resilient and looped, crescent-shaped visor body cutout of generally uniform cross sectional thickness and density, defined by a front wall barrier which extends, in a rearward and bilaterally symmetrical fashion, into a pair of flanking wall barriers of gradually and progressively lessening width, the visor body further defined by a rounded and generally oval shaped outer edge and an anatomically contouring inner edge both of which gradually converging towards the rear end of said visor body and ultimately defining and terminating into a pair of facing and independently separated free ends separated by a gap allowing said visor body to be safely expanded, positioned and eventually wrapped around the user's face by means of tension provided by an elastically deformable liner which lines said contouring inner edge perimeter; a deformable metal wire core permanently sandwiched between said elastically deformable liner and contouring inner edge lining at least a portion of the same in a generally offset parallel fashion, for the purpose of adjustably deforming the same to follow the hairline contour of the user; a pair of tension straps of generally comparable material composition and cross sectional thickness as said visor body, each permanently appended to either side of said visor body in a generally mirrored fashion and ending in free end tips;
 4. The ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen defined in claim 3 in which said tension straps form a wall before the wearer's ears for the purpose of hiding them from view, and further secure said visor body to the wearer's face, when said free end tips are pressed against matching adhesive-endowed sections of said flanking wall barriers as the visor body is looped around the ear lobes and brought forth;
 5. The ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen defined in claim 3 in which said deformable metal wire is made from a single strand of ductile metal bearing a generally uniform and circular cross sectional profile sufficiently large whereas to impart and maintain a manually adjusted profile of choice onto said visor body when bent;
 6. The ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen defined in claim 3 in which said visor body component is composed of an elastic material with sufficient cross sectional thickness and water deflecting, chemically resisting, UV stable and thermally isolating properties cut into a pattern with adequately allocated barrier width whereas to provide a resilient sheltering surface area large enough to protect either portions of the head from each other whether from a liquid, solid, spray or manually induced cross contamination, as well as maintain the necessary flexibility whereas to remain manually adjustable to the hairline with ease and comfort;
 7. The ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen embodiment defined in claim 1 which is so conceived to be storable in a flattened or folded configuration without breaking or unwantedly deforming or creasing in a permanent manner, promoting compactness of portability and storage;
 8. The ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen defined in claim 3 in which said elastically deformable liner embodies a highly elastic and resilient body of generally constant and hollow cross sectional profile and thickness permanently affixed to contouring inner edge, sandwiching the same in a generally u-shaped configuration, uninterruptedly contouring the same in a generally parallel and closed-loop fashion while providing an all around gasket with water sealing qualities around the face perimeter;
 9. The ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen defined in claim 3 in which the innermost end of said elastically deformable liner remains unglued at a generally constant and parallel distance from the inner most end of contouring inner edge whereas to form a free-floating bulbous fold end for the purpose of creating a self adapting elastic seal imparting a superior level of comfort and sealing ability against the surface irregularities of the wearer's facial contours;
 10. The ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen defined in claim 9 in which said free-floating bulbous fold provides a relatively thin and rounded inner edge profile curvature able to create a minimally invasive contact surface area with the face covering the least possible amount of skin and makeup and surrounding the hairline while, at the same time, maintaining equal sealing abilities with the underlying skin whichever angular position said visor body and its constituting portions is found to mount with regard to the user's face;
 11. An alternatively conceived embodiment variation of the ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen as defined in claim 1 having open-ended elastic bands of generally flat cross sectional profile, permanently affixed, in a semi looped arrangement, to either side of the visor body, along each flanking wall barrier and to one common ply of the same, thus forming elastic attachment straps with sufficient span and proper ergonomic alignment whereas to coincide with and loop behind the ears of the wearer, consequently enabling the face screen to be firmly positioned and supported onto the face without hair binding straps or additional support structures which may limit the user's activities;
 12. The elastic bands defined in claim 11 constituted by an elastomerically enriched cloth-based, or latex-free rubber banding material providing low skin friction and being permanently affixed at both open ends to said visor body by means of using mechanical fasteners, adhesive glues, by tying the former to the latter with a knot or a combination thereof.
 13. The alternatively conceived embodiment variation of the ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen as defined in claim 11 in which the face screen mounts onto the wearer's face with said flanking wall barrier portions of the visor body laying in an extended arrangement before the wearer's ears thus protecting make-up applied to the face and allowing said elastic bands to wrap behind the ears;
 14. An alternatively conceived embodiment variation of the ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen as defined in claim 1, in which the lower portion of the visor body is prematurely truncated thus forming an open-ended, crescent-shaped visor body profile with shortened and independently disjointed flanking wall barrier free ends, lined by an equally corresponding, prematurely truncated version of elastically deformable liner with disjointed free ends;
 15. The alternatively conceived embodiment variation of the ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen defined in claim 14 possessing convex contours, protruding inwardly from either inner edge portion proximal to the tip of said shortened and independently disjointed flanking wall barrier free ends, ergonomically enhancing the inner edge contour of the same whereas to provide an optimal sealing fit able to coincide and fill-in the surface disparity which naturally occurs between the sudden transition of the jaw line and narrowing sections of the neck just below the jaw line when said face screen variation is worn;
 16. The alternatively conceived embodiment variation of the ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen as defined in claim 14, wherein said independently disjointed flanking wall barrier free ends remain linked by a single open-ended elastic band which pearces through perforated lower regions of the same, subsequently affixing, in a permanent fashion, to upper regions of the same whereby and ultimately forming a pair of semi-looped elastic band structures used for supporting the face screen to the wearer's face when looped behind the ears without hair binding straps or additional support structures which may limit the user's activities;
 17. The alternatively conceived embodiment variation of the ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen as defined in claim 16 wherein said single open-ended elastic band comprises an elastomerically enriched cloth-based, or latex-free rubber banding material providing low skin friction and embodies a generally flattened profile of uniform cross sectional thickness and shape, the bottom linking portion of which providing additional face screen support when looped under the chin;
 18. An alternately conceived embodiment variation of the ergonomically shaped water blocking face screens as defined in claims 3, 11 and 14 in which the elastically deformable liner component is eliminated and is otherwise substituted by a radially offset embossing or folding of the visor body material circumscribing the contouring inner edge whereby imparting onto the same a weakened surface rigidity with spring-like resilience for the purpose of improving its contouring ability;
 19. The alternately conceived embodiment variation of the ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen as defined in claim 18 in which said radially offset embossing may comprise: a rounded s-shaped, a zig-zag shaped, a squared s-shaped, a semi-circular cup-shaped or a folded over shaped configuration;
 20. An alternatively conceived use of the ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen as defined in claim 14 in which said visor body may be flipped upward and used as a means to collect hair away from the user's face for the purpose of providing a facilitated and more sanitary means to work on the face portion of the head without hair interruption;
 21. An alternatively conceived use of the ergonomically shaped water blocking face screen as defined in claim 3 in which said visor body may be treated with a light reflective coating whereas to enable it to serve as a means for collecting, redirecting and evenly dispersing tanning rays onto the face in a concentrated and even fashion while repairing light sensitive hair root tips from U.V rays; 